Make Things Happen

Find out more about our behavioural theme: Make Things Happen.

We meet challenges. We are positive, organised and empowering, driving work forward.

What does Make Things Happen mean at the University?

Watch https://youtu.be/gR0FGuxcxVM on YouTube

Damian Murphy discusses the importance of Make Things Happen as part of his work at the University.

I get things done with a proactive, positive and organised approach.

I am successful when...

• I am proactive, seeking solutions and making decisions confidently
• I am organised, recognising priorities and planning my time and workload to get things done
• I am diligent and work accurately
• I have a positive attitude and help build this in others

I take responsibility for progressing my work and the work of my team, embracing complex challenges and motivating others.

I am successful when...

• I progress work, highlighting priorities, allocating resources and co-ordinating others
• I show, dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of challenging and complex objectives
• I take responsibility, actively contributing to get things done
• I am prepared to make difficult judgements and decisions

I meet challenges. I empower, support and energise others to drive work forward.

I am successful when...

• I move work forward, owning issues and progressing things through to completion
• I empower others to make decisions and take ownership of their work
• I support others to drive their work, clarifying my expectations and my role as a point of escalation and advice
• I share my commitment to meeting, energising and inspiring others
• I encourage an environment of recognition, helping others feel genuinely valued and rewarded for their contributions

I've always had an interest in how the right culture and community can help foster a sense of belonging, connection and commitment among colleagues. Alongside my role leading comms and engagement activities for S&AS projects, I have specific responsibility to help develop our Directorate culture and engagement activities. I established and led the Student and Academic Services Managers’ Network, for example, which aims to build a connected, inclusive and supportive community for all our managers. Managers have such a critical role to play in the organisation; they need to be empowered, inspired and valued in order to drive work forward in positive ways. Leading initiatives like the Managers’ Network, and working with a wide range of colleagues from across departments, is what motivates and energises me and keeps me learning all the time.

Vanya Gallimore - Development Partner, People and Organisational Development (formerly Projects Engagement Manager, Student and Academic Services)

Next steps

If you’re keen to develop in this area, you can explore a wide range of opportunities available to you at the University and via our partnership with LinkedIn Learning on the Learning Management System (LMS). Here are some suggested opportunities to take a look at: